OPS taking public comment on strategic plan

A 52 page draft of the district's strategic plan was released earlier this week. It's based on seven guiding principles, including safe schools, engaged parents, and rigorous curriculum.

Superintendent Mark Evans says ultimately, the plan is about doing what's best for OPS students.

"We're going to make a difference for kids, we're going to accelerate growth, we're going to improve facilities, we're going to improve communications, we're going to make our schools safer. And we have specific things targeted that we're going to do to improve our schools, and we're going to make our community proud of being a part of OPS too."

The plan, which Evans calls comprehensive and inclusive, also identifies more than a dozen outcomes. Those include a higher percentage of students graduating from high school in four years and five years, a smaller achievement gap, and fewer absences.

You can comment on the plan at omahapublicschools.mindmixer.com. Public comment is also being taken by mail and email through April 9th. The entire plan, and a presentation to the OPS school board, is available at www.ops.org.